In an age where digital screens often get a bad rap for their perceived negative impacts on mental health and well-being, a recent global study has challenged this notion, revealing a surprising correlation between internet use and greater overall well-being.
Led by Prof Andrew Przybylski of the University of Oxford and Dr Matti Vuorre of Tilburg University, the study examined the relationship between internet access, mobile internet use, regular internet usage, and various aspects of well-being on a global scale.
Published in the journal Technology, Mind and Behaviour, the study analyzed data collected from interviews with approximately 1,000 participants each year across 168 countries as part of the Gallup World Poll. The researchers delved into eight different measures of wellbeing, including life satisfaction, social life, purpose in life, and feelings of community wellbeing.
The findings, based on data spanning from 2006 to 2021 and encompassing about 2.4 million participants aged 15 and above, unveiled a noteworthy trend: internet access and usage were associated with higher levels of wellbeing across the board. The study revealed that 84.9% of internet connectivity and wellbeing associations were positive, with only 0.4% showing a negative correlation.
While the study did not establish a causal relationship between internet use and wellbeing, it did indicate that individuals with internet access reported 8.5% higher levels of life satisfaction compared to those without access.
However, the study also highlighted the need for nuance in interpreting the results. It did not delve into the specifics of internet usage patterns or content consumption, nor did it consider potential negative consequences such as cyberbullying or online harassment.
Prof Przybylski emphasized the importance of evidence-based policy-making in technology, cautioning against blanket interventions without robust data to support their efficacy. He stressed the need for sensitivity to diverse experiences and the potential for individual variation in the impact of internet use on wellbeing.
Dr Shweta Singh, an assistant professor at the University of Warwick, underscored the complex nature of internet-related issues, citing reports of harmful online behaviours such as “sextortion” affecting vulnerable populations.
Prof Simeon Yates of the University of Liverpool echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that while internet use may be associated with higher wellbeing for some, it does not negate the existence of negative online experiences.
